Salma was discharged from the hospital three days later. Her bruises were all but gone, just as her stomach began to protrude. Mansur never came to the hospital even once to check on her. No one informed her family about what happened, as they were afraid of what would happen if they found out.
Days turned into weeks. Salma's pregnancy grew significantly. Hajiya Raliya was around to help her carry out her everyday chores, although she barely spoke to Salma anymore.
Mansur was barely in the house. Salma only saw him twice a week. He always left for work early and came back late at night. Salma's only companions were Rukayyah and Hafsah, who had moved in with them temporarily to care for her. They were sitting together in Salma's bedroom on a Friday morning, as Rukayyah was massaging Salm
